Texans report: Brock Osweiler says don't close book on him, team

However, it's not off to an encouraging start with plot lines dominated by his interceptions, errant throws and a lack of touchdowns and decisiveness.

With five games remaining in the regular season, Osweiler is hoping to flip the script and reverse the fortunes of the offense by writing a more promising final chapter.

Osweiler is tied for the league high with 13 interceptions and tied for the worst passer rating with a 72.2 mark. Nonetheless, he emphasized that he's eager for the opportunity to turn things around.

"I love it," Osweiler said. "Since a very young age, I've always wanted to be the guy to have the ball in his hand every single play, and especially when our back is against the wall. Not a lot of people believe in us right now.

"But I can promise you there's nobody who believes in this team more than myself. There's nobody who believes in this coaching staff more than myself. I really think this two-game losing streak that we're on, it's going to set us up for a great story in the long run."

Despite his struggles, Osweiler expressed confidence and an eagerness as the Texans travel Sunday to square off with the Packers at Lambeau Field.

"I don't think there's ever been a successful NFL season that didn't have adversity somewhere in that season," Osweiler said. "I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity at hand to truly write a great ending to this story."

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Although it won't quite be "frozen tundra" conditions at Lambeau Field for Sunday's game, it will still be cold with a high of 39 and a low of 28 degrees in the forecast along with a mixture of rain and snow.

The Texans play the majority of their games in warm weather, including eight regular-season games inside climate-controlled and close-roofed NRG Stadium.

"It's still going to be cold, especially compared to what we're used to," Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown said. "They say it will be a snow-rain mixture, which is always terrible. I'm sure guys have played in worse. It shouldn't be too bad."

Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye expressed confidence that the cold will become an afterthought once players get into the action of the game.

"Football is football; you just can't let it get to you," Bouye said. "Once you get the pads going, hitting, you forget about it. As long as you're focused and know what you came here for, the weather shouldn't matter."

Hard game

to forget

The temperatures were well below freezing. The pressure was high. And Texans kicker Kris Brown delivered the game-winning, 40-yard field goal during a 24-21 December 2008 victory over the Packers in near zero-degree temperatures.

It's a game that Duane Brown won't ever forget. Brown was a rookie starter for that team. He's the last player on the roster who played for the Texans in that game.

"It was the coldest game I've ever played in my life," Brown said. "Great game, hard-fought battle, last-second field goal, one of those games that you'll always remember."

Big fan

of Hopkins

During DeAndre Hopkins' star turn last season with four different quarterbacks, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was struck by how the Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver overcame his circumstances.

Enough so that Rodgers said during Bill Simmons' HBO program that he would want Hopkins on his team more than any other wide receiver other than his Packers teammates.

"I meant it because he did play with four quarterbacks and put up pretty incredible numbers," Rodgers said Wednesday. "He's an extremely talented guy. Just seeing him a couple times and watching him on game film from the defenses that he's played, he just does a lot of things really, really well."

Hopkins caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. With quarterback Brock Osweiler struggling with 13 interceptions, including eight thrown in Hopkins' direction, the wide receiver's production has dipped to 55 catches for 610 yards and three touchdowns.

Nonetheless, Rodgers is impressed with Hopkins' skills.

"Obviously, his releases, his speed, his route-running fundamentals," Rodgers said. "His hands are fantastic. I think he does the little things, the nuances, not telegraphing stuff. He does everything well."

Odds and ends

Safety Andre Hal didn't practice Wednesday because of illness but is expected to be ready by Sunday. … Running back Alfred Blue (calf) didn't practice and could miss his third game in a row. … Kick returner Tyler Ervin (ribs), outside linebacker John Simon (chest and wide receiver Jaelen Strong (sprained ankle) are also expected to miss this game. None of them practiced, along with defensive end Antonio Smith (hip).